Let’s face it: 14 of the 30 National Hockey League teams don’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So it’s not unlikely that you’re sitting at home, trying to figure out which postseason team is worthy of your support. Perhaps I can help:

Anaheim Ducks Why They Could WinRyan Getzlaf and Corey Perry up front, a balanced D and two good goaltenders.

Chicago BlackhawksWhy They Could WinThree Cups in the past six seasons tend to make you a favourite. Artemi Panarin replaces Patrick Sharp, and the defence core has been bolstered. So, basically, the Blackhawks are up a de-Winnipegged Andrew Ladd.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemJoel Quenneville is one of the most entertaining coaches in the game. Whether he is grabbing his crotch or kicking a towel, can you honestly say you’re not looking forward to another Spring of Coach Q?

Dallas StarsWhy They Could WinA high-octane offence led by Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza propelled the Stars to a second-place overall finish in the NHL, not to mention the division title in the Central, the league’s toughest.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemFor perhaps the first time since the 2005-06 and 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres – also coached by Lindy Ruff, the NHL has a legitimate contender that plays a run-and-gun style. The Stars are a real fun team to watch, and it will be great watching them shove their style of play down the throats of the “Defence wins hockey games” crowd.

Detroit Red WingsWhy They Could WinDarren Helm, Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou, among others, land Detroit amongst the fastest teams in the NHL. Their older veterans that might have lost a step – Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Richards… – are proven winners that can still play.

Florida PanthersWhy They Could WinFlorida has three lines that score a bunch and two goaltenders who have had outstanding seasons. “Yeah but their possession num–“ Shut up, ride the wave.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemBecause it would be hilarious for everyone outside of British Columbia if Roberto Luongo wins himself a ring. Also, Jaromir Jagr winning a Stanley Cup 24 years after his last one? Amazing.

Los Angeles KingsWhy They Could WinThey’re the Kings. They possess the puck better than any other team – first in Corsi Close, by a significant margin, this season. They’ve won two of the past four Stanley Cups. After missing the Playoffs last year, one would imagine they will be chomping at the bit for a third title, especially considering their rivals, the aforementioned Blackhawks, just won their third Cup in six years.

Minnesota WildWhy They Could WinIf they play to their potential, the Wild can run with anyone in the league. First Round upsets of division winners St. Louis and Colorado the past two years is evidence of this.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemA Devan Dubnyk Stanley Cup? LOL Oilers.

Nashville PredatorsWhy They Could WinAfter years of having to play a stifling defensive system to survive, Nashville finally has a couple of competent scoring lines to complement their vaunted back end. If Pekka Rinne can remember how to play goal, the Preds are in business.

New York RangersWhy They Could WinA team with oodles of Playoff experience only got experiencier with the addition of Eric Staal. Plus, any team with Henrik Lundqvist has a chance to take it all.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemLundqvist deserves a ring for bailing out the Rangers game after game, season after season. He ‘aint gettin’ any younger, either.

Philadelphia FlyersWhy They Could WinThe Flyers were one of the hottest teams closing out the regular season. They have some good structure thanks to first-year Head Coach Dave Hakstol, and their goaltending situation has been solidified by the tandem of Steven Mason and Michal Neuvirth.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemThe Flyers have a variety of intriguing storylines: Flyers co-founder and longtime owner Ed Snider passed away earlier this week. Dave Hakstol is a rookie coach coming out of the collegiate ranks. The Flyers made a heroic run to secure a Playoff spot. And don’t forget the Ghost Bear! Pick one.

Pittsburgh PenguinsWhy They Could WinAfter losing their first 4 games under replacement Head Coach Mike Sullivan, the Penguins won 32 of their remaining 50 games. Sidney Crosby (8-game point streak) and Phil Kessel (12 points in his last 9 games) come into the Playoffs red hot.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemDue to injuries, postseason meltdowns and a healthy dose of bad luck, Penguins fans have been robbed of additional Stanley Cups after winning in 2009. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are generational talents – with Marc-André Fleury not far behind – that any hockey fan would be blessed to watch play for – and win – Lord Stanley’s Mug once more.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemYes, yes, the Sharks have let us down in the past. Several times. But are there two guys that deserve a Cup more than Joe Thornton and James Reimer? What better time to shake off the monkey?

St. Louis BluesWhy They Could WinThe St. Louis Blues won the Central Division. They’ve had a Cup-contending team for the past few years and goaltender Brian Elliott comes in having posted some spectacular numbers to close out the regular season campaign (we’ll gloss over his getting pulled in the Blues’ season finale).

Why You Should Cheer for ThemThe aforementioned Elliott is set to start for the Blues in Game One. Despite having consistently posted good numbers during regular seasons for St. Louis, the Blues have consistently supplanted him with a different starter for the Playoffs (Jaroslav Halák, Ryan Miller, Jake Allen…). It appears Elliott has the ball in his court. Here’s hoping it stays that way.

Tampa Bay LightningWhy They Could WinLast year’s Cup finalists enter the Playoffs with significant injury problems, but goaltender Ben Bishop had another sterling season and Tampa’s team is deep and, now, experienced. Assuming they stay in the hunt that long, their lineup will only improve as the injured players return.

Why You Should Cheer for ThemThe Lightning’s quest for the Cup last year was hampered by significant injuries to Ben Bishop and Tyler Johnson. It would be awesome to see what they can do when they – eventually – have a full lineup.

Washington CapitalsWhy They Could WinExcellent goaltending, a solid defence core and a potent, multifaceted attack. Oh, and they won the President’s Trophy. What’s not to like?

Why You Should Cheer for ThemWhat, you mean a RUSSIAN player can captain a Stanley Cup-winning team? What kind of a sick, twisted world are we living in?!